Keeping an eye out for your workmates was the focus of this year's Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which kicked off on Monday morning.

The Fast Lane Drive-Thru Coffee has begun using specially-marked cups to spread the responsible gambling message.

The business has chipped in $250 to help Lifeline Central West and has placed collection tins at their Bultje and White Street outlets to accept donations on the charity's behalf.

Lifeline Central West gambling and financial counsellor Rob Benton said his organisation would deliver workplace presentations and activities to educate local businesses about what free support services were available for problem gamblers.

"The workplace is a practical channel for us to reach people with gambling problems and their family, friends and colleagues who are impacted by gambling," he said.

"Harm caused by problem gambling can be far-reaching, causing significant damage to individuals, families and communities."

These included financial loss, bankruptcy, relationship breakdowns, depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, ulcers, high blood pressure or suicidal thoughts, he said.

Mr Benton said underage gambling continued to be a problem, with statistics showing someone who started gambling before they turned 18 was twice as likely to develop a problem with gambling.

An increase in online gambling had also been of concern for Lifeline, with spending on sportsbetting having tripled in the five years to 2012.

"Online gambling is three times more likely to lead to a problem with gambling," Mr Benton said.

Mr Benton said problem gambling was not just a problem for the individual but probably the five to 10 people family members or workmates who were inevitably affected as a result.

"Gambling is everyone's business, you can be part of the solution," he said.

"If somebody in your workplace is struggling with gambling, be it your colleague in the cubicle or car seat next to you, in your squad, or on your worksite or unit, take them aside for a cuppa and let them know that help is available and that they don't have to suffer alone.

"By helping your colleagues or employees address their problems before they reach crisis point, you can make a real difference in their lives."

Lifeline Central West also planned to undertake Responsible Gambling Awareness Week activities with Dubbo City Council, Fletcher International Exports, Essential Energy, Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, Salvation Army, Dubbo Buslines, Dubbo RSL Club, Dubbo Radio Cabs, TAFE Western, Schizophrenia Fellowship, The Coffee Bean Roasting House and Wellington Correctional Centre.